Imaging system for fire fighting training

ABSTRACT

A system including an imaging device having a first image capture device configured to detect longwave infrared electromagnetic radiation and a second image capture device configured to detect near infrared electromagnetic radiation. The system further includes a display configured to display a visible representation of the detected infrared longwave electromagnetic radiation and the detected near infrared electromagnetic radiation.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/323,270, entitled AUGMENTED REALITY THERMAL IMAGING SYSTEMFOR FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING filed on Apr. 15, 2016, the entire contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference.

This application is directed to an imaging system, and moreparticularly, to an imaging system for use in firefighting training.

BACKGROUND

Fire fighter trainers and simulators are used to train fire fighters andother individuals, including in some cases members of the generalpublic, in proper firefighting techniques. Such trainers and simulatorsmay provide a simulated but realistic firefighting environment bydisplaying simulated flames that can react to actual or simulatedextinguishants directed at the display. Some types of trainers andsimulators may utilize thermal sources, such as open flames or resistiveheaters.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention is a system including an imaging devicehaving a first image capture device configured to detect longwaveinfrared electromagnetic radiation and a second image capture deviceconfigured to detect near infrared electromagnetic radiation. The systemfurther includes a display configured to display a visiblerepresentation of the detected infrared longwave electromagneticradiation and the detected near infrared electromagnetic radiation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a fire fighter trainingsystem utilizing an imaging device, a display device and a prop;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the system of FIG. 1, with the imagingdevice aimed differently;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the display device shown inFIG. 1, illustrating visible light emitters and infrared light (IR)emitters of the display device;

FIG. 4 is a back view of the imaging device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematic of the imaging device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a fire fightertraining system, including a prop and a imaging device; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of yet another fire fighter training system,including a beacon and an imaging device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment a training system,generally designated 10, includes a display, processing, sensing andcontrol device 12 (termed a “display device” 12 herein). The displaydevice 12 may be configured to emit both visible light and infrared (IR)electromagnetic radiation in patterns to simulate flames or otherhazardous conditions, as will be described in greater detail below. Asshown in FIG. 3 the display device 12 may include a plurality or anarray of visible light emitters 14 and plurality or an array of IRemitters 16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 each visible lightemitter 14 is positioned adjacent to a corresponding IR emitter 16 suchthat there is a corresponding IR emitter 16 for each visible lightemitter 14. However the visible light emitters 14 and IR emitters 16 maybe arranged in any of a wide variety of patterns, arrangements andlayouts, and the emitters 14, 16 may not necessarily be arranged inarrays or in a one-to-one correspondence. In addition, the displaydevice 12 can be configured to emit visible light and IR radiation by avariety of other structures and methods.

Visible light (e.g. emitted by the visible light emitters 14) can beconsidered to include the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum thatis visible to the human eye, in one case having a wavelength of betweenabout 390 nm and about 700 nm. In one embodiment, the visible lightemitters 14 may be light emitting diodes (LED) or organic LEDs (OLEDs)or the like, although other technologies may be utilized such as, forexample, digital light processing light sources. IR radiation typicallyis in the range of from about 3 GHz to about 400 THz, but in one casethe IR radiation emitted by the display device 12/visible IR emitters 16is light or radiation within the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum, having awavelength of between about 700 nm to about 2500 nm in one case, andmore specifically about 940 nm. The IR emitters 16 can take any of avariety of forms, such as an infrared LED.

The display device 12 may be configured to be used in conjunction withreal and/or simulated fire extinguishant devices or systems 18 thatexpel or project a real or simulated extinguishant, as will be describedin greater detail below. In cases where the display device 12 isdesigned for use with real extinguishants 19, such as water, the displaydevice 12 should be configured for use therewith, such as beingsufficiently fluid-tight and/or able to resist forces applied during use(e.g. withstand pressurized liquid streams in some cases). In certaincases then the visible light emitters 14 and/or IR emitters 16 may alsobe designed and configured to be able to withstand exposure to a certainamount of fluid, liquid (e.g. water) and/or pressure.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment the display device 12includes a generally clear or transparent protective screen 20 formingor positioned on a front surface thereof which can be made of, forexample, glass, polymers (including polycarbonate), etc. The protectivescreen 20 may be made of a particularly durable material that canwithstand relatively high fluid pressures associated with extinguishants19 used in actual or simulated firefighting. The display device 12 mayalso include or be connected to a controller (not illustrated) which cantake any of a wide variety of forms, including an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared,dedicated, or group), a computer and/or memory that can execute one ormore software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, orother suitable components that provide the functionality as describedherein. The controller of the display device 12 may receive and processinputs and provide outputs, including an output which may control theemitters 14, 16 to create a dynamic visible image 22 which can begenerated by the visible light emitters 14 and is projected or displayedby the display device 12.

The display device 12 may generate and display the visible image 22which a user/trainee 24, such as a fire fighter, is able to view withthe naked eye. For example, in the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,the visible image 22 is a fire. However the visible image 22 can takeany of a variety of forms, including smoke, flame, or other hazardousconditions in one case, displayed in a dynamic fashion to mimic a realhazardous condition. The visible light emitters 14 may be controlled bythe controller to produce the visible image 22 upon the display device12.

The IR emitters 16 may also be operated to produce an IR image that insome cases corresponds to the visible image 22 generated by the visiblelight emitters 14. The IR image may not correspond exactly to thevisible image, but may be related thereto. For example, the IR image maybe an image that mimics the heat signature of a flame that is shown inthe visible image 22 and/or may present only hotter portions of thevisible image 22 (i.e. located near a base of the flame image 22), orshow ambient heat created by a fire that extends beyond the visibleimage 22. The IR image emitted by the display device 12 may not bedirectly visually detectable by the trainee 24 or other human user bythe naked eye.

The display device 12 may be designed for use in conjunction with anextinguishant system 18 which can be used by a trainee 24 (or, in thecase of FIGS. 1 and 2, a helper or supplemental trainee 24) tospray/project a real and/or simulated extinguishant 19. In oneembodiment, the extinguishant system 18 sprays extinguishant 19 in theform of liquid water at pressures the same as or comparable to thoseprovided by fire hydrants, pump trucks or the like using fire fighterhandlines to provide a realistic training experience. Alternatively, theextinguishant system 18 may also or instead spray extinguishants 19 inthe form of solids (such as chemical powder), liquids (such as water,foam, or combinations thereof) or gases (such as inert gases includingCO₂) of various forms. In another embodiment, the extinguishant system18 also or instead emits an extinguishant 19 in the form of a directedsignal that is not manually detectable by the user 24 (i.e. may not haveany noticeable mass), which can be visible or not visible by the user24, such as electromagnetic waves (more particularly, emissions in theIR frequency, lasers) or the like.

The display device 12 may include a sensor system 26 integrated thereinor coupled thereto to sense an extinguishant 19 sprayed or directed atthe display device 12. The sensor system 26 may include one or moresensors 28 spaced about the front surface of the associated displaydevice 12. The sensors 28 may in one case be temperature sensors, suchas thermistors, that react to differing temperatures provided byconduction and/or convection of the extinguishant 19. However, thesensors 28 may take any of a wide variety of other forms, includingnearly any device or transducer having physical properties that changewhen an external stimulus, such as a simulated, actual or virtualextinguishant, is applied to the sensor 28, and/or that can otherwisesense the extinguishant 19.

The output of each sensor 28, such as nature and direction of the sensedextinguishant 19, volume of application of the extinguishant 19, andtiming of application of the extinguishant 19, the manner of applicationof the extinguishant 19, etc. may be provided to the controller of thedisplay device 12 or to a remote controller. For example, properfirefighting technique, such as where extinguishant 19 is aimed at theproper locations for the proper duration and in proper methods, cancause the controller to reduce the size of the visible image 22 and thecorresponding IR image, or cause the visible image 22 and thecorresponding IR image to grow at a reduced rate. Conversely, relativelypoor firefighting technique (i.e. where extinguishant 19 is not aimed atthe proper locations or for improper durations or in improper methods)can cause the controller to increase the size of the visible image 22and the corresponding IR image, or cause the visible image 22 and thecorresponding IR image to grow at an increased rate. Further detailsrelating to the display device 12 and its operation can be found in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/487,831 entitled FIRE FIGHTING TRAININGSYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED EXTINGUISHANT SENSOR filed on Sep. 16, 2014, theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The system 10 can also include or utilize one or more props 30 which areor are representations of household items or other items expected to beencountered during actual firefighting. Thus the prop 30 in FIGS. 1 and2 takes the form of a stove emitting actual burning flames 32 fueled bya fuel source to provide a realistic training environment, where theflames 32 naturally emit heat and LWIR radiation.

The system 10 can include or be utilized with an imaging device 34including a controller 35 and an outer casing or housing 37, where theimaging device 34 can be used in conjunction with and/or separate fromthe display device 12. In one case the imaging device 34 is manuallycarryable and includes an output, display screen or display 36 whichdisplays an output thereon that can be visually detected by a user ortrainee 24. With reference to FIG. 4, the imaging device 34 can includestwo sensors, cameras or image capture devices 38, 40 positioned in thecasing 37 and having portions on a back side thereof, opposite thedisplay 36, where in one case each image capture device 38, 40 includesits own aperture for receiving electromagnetic radiation and has its ownlens.

The first image capture device 38 may be configured to capture images orradiation at a first range of wavelengths, such as longwave-infrared(LWIR) radiation in one case, which is referred to as a traditionalthermal signature and can have wavelength of between about 8 μm(micrometer) and about 15 μm (micrometer). The first image capturedevice 38 may also capture the thermal signature of objects that reflectlight in the LWIR spectrum such as, for example, humans, animals, andinanimate objects such as furniture. The second image capture device 40may be configured to capture images in the IR spectrum (and morespecifically, NIR spectrum) which can be referred to as IR images. Itshould be understood that most conventional thermal imaging cameras arenot able to capture light in the NIR spectrum. Thus the imaging device34 may include at least this additional functionality beyond thatprovided by conventional thermal imaging cameras.

Conventional glass lenses may not be desired to be used in the first 38and second 40 image capture devices since conventional glass can reflectthermal radiation rather than allowing the thermal radiation to passthrough. Thus the first and/or second image capture devices 38, 40, andmore particularly their lenses, can be made of or include materials thatdo not reflect the desired radiation, including but not limited togermanium (Ge), chalcogenide glass, zinc selenide (ZnSe) and zincsulfide (ZnS).

In order to identify or isolate light of the intended NIR wavelength, anoptical filter may be included as part of the second image capturedevice 40, and polychromatic light from the scene can be passed throughthe optical filter and reach the second image capture device 40 asmonochromatic light. This monochromatic light may occupy a narrow bandof wavelengths so that only the intended wavelengths of light will reachthe second image capture device 40. This may be achieved by using anoptical bandpass filter with a center frequency at a desired NIRwavelength, such as 940 nm. One such filter may be constructed of anoptical glass substrate with a metal or dielectric coating.

The imaging device 34 may also include an emitting device 42 that can bemanually or automatically controlled or activated to emit a visiblelight output, such as a laser. The emitting device 42 may be used todirect a laser beam or other visible output to or along a target, suchas the display 12, to provide feedback and guide the user 24 incorrectly aiming the imaging device 34.

The imaging device 34 may thus receive radiation inputs from twodifferent spectrum (LWIR radiation and NIR radiation in one case)through the first 38 and second 40 image capture devices, respectively,and through the controller 35 display both received/processed outputs ina combined/overlaid manner on the display 36 of the imaging device 34.More particularly, the imaging device 34 can be configured to generate abase image 48 based upon input LWIR radiation detected by the firstimage capture device 38, and augment/complement that base image 48 withinput (IR radiation) detected by the second image capture device 40. Inone case, the base image 48 generated based upon the received LWIRradiation may be displayed with contouring lines 46 or other indiciathat be used to represent regions of varying temperature within the baseimage 48. In other words, the contouring lines 46 may representisotherms and used to represent hotter and cooler portions of the fireor heat represented by the base image 48.

Similarly, images based upon IR radiation may be displayed withcontouring lines 46 to mimic the base image 48 and thereby simulate theoutput of a traditional thermal imaging camera. The imaging device 34may further process that data received from the second image capturedevice 40 to better visually represent the received data as a datasignature that appears to have been captured by a LWIR camera observinga heated object, even though that object may not be present in itsdisplayed form within the scene captured by the imaging device 34.

FIG. 5 is a block schematic diagram of the imaging device 34 receivingimages as shown in FIG. 2. The controller 35 receives a first or baseimage 48 captured by the first image capture device 38 and a secondimage 50 captured by the second image capture device 40. As noted above,in one case the first image capture device 38 captures light in the LWIRspectrum, and in this case is unable to capture the NIR radiationemitted by the IR emitters 16 of the display device 12. Thus no imagefrom the display device 12 is sensed in the base image 48, even thoughthe visible image 20 of the display device 12 may be in the field ofview of the first image capture device 38. However a LWIR image from theflames 32 is captured in the base image 48.

The second image 50 is based upon radiation captured by the second imagecapture device 40 (radiation in the NIR spectrum). Thus, the secondimage 50 is based upon radiation within the NIR spectrum, e.g. from theIR emitters 16 of the display device 20, but the second image 50 is notbased upon any LWIR radiation, such as that emitted by the flames 32,even though the flames 32 may be in the field of view of the secondimage capture device 40. The controller 35 may remove, add, or otherwisemanipulate data from the captured images 48, 50 such that the controller35 can extract only the meaningful information that is intended fordisplay by the display 36.

The controller 35 can include control logic for performing various imageprocessing and computer vision algorithms to generate theaugmented/composite image 62. Thus the augmented/composite image 62 caninclude the first image 48 overlaid with the second image 50, with oneor each being augmented with isotherm lines 46 or the like if desired.The augmented/composite image 62 may include a naturally generatedthermal signatures/isotherm lines for the first image 48, and simulatedthermal signature/isotherm lines for the second image 50. Processing ofdata from the images 48 and/or 50 may include noise reduction orthresholding algorithms, smoothing or blending algorithms, heat transfersimulations, contour and closed loop polygon finding algorithms, orobject recognition algorithms using trained cascade classifiers.

The processed data originating from the first 38 and second 40 imagecapture devices may be selectively combined by controller 35 such thatthe data will appear to have originated from a single LWIR camera. Thismerging process may include parallax error adjustments and field of viewadjustments using, for example, perspective transformation algorithms.The merged scene may then be further processed by the controller 35 toform a meaningful falsely colorized augmented image that will appear tobe a uniform thermal scene with both real and simulated thermal data.

Since the imaging device 34 is able to detect and display LWIR radiationthrough the first image capture device 38, the imaging device 34 can beused like a traditional thermal camera to sense, detect and displaythermal images. For example the imaging device 34 can be used by a user24 to locate heat sources, such as fires, including in situations oflimited visibility such as, for example, heavy smoke or darkness. Thuswhen a user uses the imaging device 34, the output 36 of the imagingdevice 34 corresponds with that expected of a normal thermal camera; forexample, items known to be hot, such as the flames 32 of FIG. 2, areshown to be hot by the imaging device 34.

However, use of the second image capture device 40 in conjunction withthe display 12, enables the system 10 to mimic the appearance of heatwhen the heat is not actually present (or at least is not present in theamounts suggested by the imaging device 34). As shown in FIG. 2, theuser 24 has directed or aimed the imaging device 34 such that (ascompared to FIG. 1) the imaging device 34 is no longer directly aimed atthe display device 12. In this case then the real flames 32 emitted bythe prop 30 are visible on the display screen 36 as shown in FIG. 2,along with the image generated by the display device 12. Thus the system10 enables realistic training in that display 12 not only visuallydisplays flames 22, but provides an output that simulates, on theimaging device 34, a thermal signal that corresponds to flames where noreal flames are present. In addition, both the visual image 22 (on thedisplay device 12) and thermal image (on the imaging device 34) of theflames are dynamic and respond to firefighting technique to provide aneven more realistic training exercise.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the training system 10 may also includeor be used in conjunction with one or more IR emitters or beacons 64.The beacon 64 may be positioned on or adjacent to the display screen 12so that the beacon 64 can be within an expected field of view (FOV) ofthe imaging device 34, although the beacon 64 can also be located atvarious other locations within the training/simulation space. The beacon64 may in one case emit light within the IR, and more specifically, NIRspectrum. The beacon 64 may be configured to emit radiation that ispulsed or modulated between an on state and an off state to indicateinformation about a specific real or simulated heat source, fire, orother hazardous condition monitored by the imaging device 34.

In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the beacon 64 may transmitinformation about the fire shown in the visible image 22 and/or emittedby the prop 30. The information that may be communicated by the beacon64 includes, for example, the temperature and the size of the heatsource, type of fire/fuel being burned, etc. The output of the beacon 64can be processed by the imaging device 34 and/or controllers/processorsto which the imaging device 34 is connected. In addition, data from thebeacon 64 which is processed could be displayed on the display 34, suchas temperature and size of the heat source in graphic or text form, etc.

In one case, the switching frequency of the beacon 64 may be desired tonot exceed one-half a frame rate of the imaging device 34, as requiredby the Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem. Additionally, it should also beappreciated that each beacon 64 may produce a designed pulsing patternat fixed times for purposes of synchronization between each beacon 64and the imaging device 34.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment where a beacon 64 may beassociated with or used in conjunction with a set of reflective markers66. In one embodiment, the markers 66 are passive elements that arecoated with a retroreflective material, and infrared or other light orradiation generated from the imaging device 34, beacon 64, (or fromanother source) is reflected off of the markers 66 and captured by theimaging device 34. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the markers 66may be active elements that emit light in the NIR spectrum or otherradiation, and in this case the beacon 64 may not be needed.

The markers 66 may be arranged in a specific pattern so as to form ashape or outline of a particular object, such as an object that may beencountered in firefighter or first responder activities. For example,in the embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the markers 66 are arranged on adummy or mannequin so as to thereby collectively form a prop 67. In oneembodiment, the markers 66 may be arranged along portions of a mannequinthat represent the joints (i.e., knees, elbows, etc.) of a human being,such that their image, as viewed by the imaging device 34, and moreparticularly due to data captured by the second image capture device 40,appears in a human-like shape. Thus, the trainee 24 (FIGS. 1 and 2) maybe able to view an image 68 upon the display 36 of the imaging device 34that mimics or resembles a human. However, the markers 66 may notnecessarily be positioned in this manner or indeed need not bepositioned on a dummy or mannequin. The markers 66 may be arranged invarious patterns to form various shapes and props besides human shapessuch as, for example, appliances, furniture, equipment, etc.

The prop 67 may also include a sensor system integrated therein orcoupled thereto, including one or more sensors 70, to sense anextinguishant sprayed or directed at the prop 67. The sensors 70 can bethe same as or similar to the sensors 28 described above, and may betemperature sensors, such as thermistors, that may react to differingtemperatures provided by conduction and/or convection of anextinguishant 19. However, the sensors 70 may take any of a wide varietyof other forms, including nearly any device that may detect a simulated,actual or virtual extinguishant, applied to the sensor 70.

In one embodiment, a beacon 64 may be used in conjunction with the prop67 and may provide an output that can be sensed by the imaging device 34that is indicative of the temperature or other property of theassociated prop 67. For example, the beacon 64 may send a signal thatindicates the prop 67 is at a temperature that is customary for a livehuman (i.e., 98.6° F. or 37° C.). However, after a specified period oftime has lapsed, the beacon 64 may emit a signal indicating that theprop 67 has changed in temperature and is now at a temperature of ahuman who has expired. The beacon 64 may also transmit other informationrelating to the prop 67 (or other adjacent props 67) such as, forexample, the identity of the prop 67, its size/mass, fuel source, andfire type.

In one embodiment, one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs) andmagnetic proximity sensors (not illustrated) may be placed within ordirectly adjacent to the prop 67. The IMU and the magnetic proximitysensors may be in wireless communication with the controller 35 of theimaging device 34 through a wireless network. In some testingsituations, the prop 67 may be obstructed from view or not be within theFOV of the imaging device 34. The IMUs and the magnetic proximitysensors may indicate both a distance as well as a relative positionvector between the prop 67 and the imaging device 34. Accordingly, theIMUs and magnetic proximity sensors may be used to add persistence tothe prop 67. Thus, the imaging device 34 may be able to maintain theimage of the prop 67 upon the display 36 of the imaging device 34, evenduring conditions of relatively low and no visibility.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment where a projector 72 may be usedto emit IR/NIR light/radiation upon an object 74, such as a wall or ascreen in the illustrated embodiment. The projector 72 may be used togenerate an image 76 (which may be read as a thermal image by theimaging device 34) upon the wall or object 74. In one embodiment, theimage 76 may simulate hidden smoke, flame, or other hazardous conditionsthat may be trapped behind the object 74, and are therefore are nottypically visible to the trainee 24. In one embodiment, the projector 72may be used to direct light upon the object 74 in a specific pattern.For example, the projector 72 may be used to direct light in the shapeof a flame on a wall 74 to simulate a hidden fire behind the wall 74,although FIG. 7 illustrates an image 76 in a simple circular pattern. Ascan be seen screen 36 of the imaging device 34 may display an imagecorresponding to the image output by the projector 72, and in thismanner the projector 72 can be used to provide the appearance of heat toprovide realistic training environments.

As seen in FIG. 7, a beacon 64 may be positioned at or adjacent to theimage 76, and within the FOV of the imaging device 34. Similar to thebeacons 64 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 and described above, thebeacon 64 of FIG. 7 may be pulsed or modulated between an on and offstate to transmit information about the image 76. A sensor 70 orplurality of sensors 70, may be integrated therein or coupled to thewall/object 74 for sensing an extinguishant 19.

It should be understood that the various embodiments and systemsdescribed herein can be used together in a complementary manner. Forexample, the display device 12, prop(s) 30 and/or 67 and/or projector 72can all be used in the same training space to provide a realistic andmulti-faceted training space/exercise. The projector(s) 72 can also beused in conjunction with and/or aimed at the display device(s) 12 and/orprop(s) 30, 67. Alternately, the display device 12, prop(s) 30, 67and/or projector 72 can be used alone, or in various combinations.

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to the variousembodiments, it should be understood that modifications and variationsthereof are possible without departing from the scope of the claims ofthe present application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising an imaging device including:a first image capture device configured to detect longwave infraredelectromagnetic radiation; a second image capture device configured todetect near infrared electromagnetic radiation; and a display configuredto display a visible representation of the detected infrared longwaveelectromagnetic radiation and the detected near infrared electromagneticradiation.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the first image capturedevice includes an aperture that is separate and apart from an apertureof the second image capture device.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein theimaging device includes an imaging device controller operatively coupledto the first image capture device and to the second image capturedevice, wherein the imaging device controller is configured to create acomposite image for display on said display, wherein said compositeimage is based upon an output of said first image capture device andsaid second image capture device.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein theimaging device controller is configured to combine and process data fromthe first image capture device and the second image capture device sothat the visible representation displays both real and simulated thermalimage data.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said imaging device ismanually carryable and includes a casing, and wherein said first imagecapture device and said second image capture device are both positionedin said casing.
 6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a displaydevice, wherein said display device is configured to display an imagewith visible light and an image with near infrared electromagneticradiation.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein the display device includesa sensor configured to detect a real or a simulated extinguishantdirected at the display device.
 8. The system of claim 7 wherein thesensor is operatively coupled to a display device controller that isalso operatively coupled to the display device, and wherein the displaydevice controller is configured to adjust at least one of the visiblelight image or the near infrared electromagnetic radiation image basedupon the output of the sensor.
 9. The system of claim 6 wherein the nearinfrared electromagnetic radiation image is related to the visibleimage.
 10. The system of claim 6 wherein the visible image is an imageof a fire or flame, and wherein the near infrared electromagneticradiation image represents a heat signature of the fire or flame. 11.The system of claim 6 wherein the display device includes a plurality oflight emitting elements and a plurality of near infrared electromagneticradiation emitting elements that are operable independently of the lightemitting elements.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein the imaging deviceis configured to receive and decode pulsed, encoded infrared signals.13. The system of claim 1 further comprising a beacon configured to emitpulsed, encoded near infrared signals, and wherein the second imagedevice is configured to receive and decode the pulsed, encoded nearinfrared signals.
 14. The system of claim 1 wherein the imaging deviceis configured to receive near infrared radiation from near infraredemitting devices or from near infrared reflecting devices arranged in amanner to simulate an item or prop, process the received near infraredradiation and provide an output indicative of the item or prop.
 15. Thesystem of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of near infraredemitting devices or near infrared reflecting device arranged in a mannerto simulate an item or prop.
 16. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising a projector configured to emit a directed beam of nearinfrared radiation that is detectable by said second image capturedevice such that an image of the directed beam is displayable on thedisplay.
 17. The system of claim 1 wherein the longwave infraredelectromagnetic radiation has a wavelength of between about 8μm andabout 15 μm and wherein the near infrared electromagnetic radiation hasa wavelength of between about 700 nm and about 2500 nm.
 18. A systemcomprising an imaging device including: a first image capture deviceconfigured to detect longwave infrared electromagnetic radiation; asecond image capture device configured to detect electromagneticradiation other than longwave infrared electromagnetic radiation andthat is invisible to the naked eye; and a display configured to displaya visible representation of the electromagnetic radiation detected bythe first image capture device and the electromagnetic radiationdetected by the second image capture device, wherein the first imagecapture device includes an aperture that is separate and apart from anaperture of the second image capture device.
 19. A system comprising adisplay device including: a visible light emitter configured todynamically display a visible image of a fire or flame; and an infraredemitter configured to dynamically emit infrared radiation in a mannerthat corresponds to a heat signature of the displayed fire or flame. 20.The system of claim 19 wherein the display device includes a sensorconfigured to detect a real or a simulated extinguishant directed at thedisplay device.
 21. The system of claim 20 wherein the sensor isoperatively coupled to a display device controller that is alsooperatively coupled to the display device, and wherein the displaydevice controller is configured to adjust at least one of the visibleimage or the infrared image based upon the output of the sensor.
 22. Thesystem of claim 19 wherein the infrared emitter is configured todynamically emit near infrared radiation, and wherein the system furtherincludes an imaging device including a first image capture deviceconfigured to detect longwave infrared electromagnetic radiation and asecond image capture device configured to detect near infraredelectromagnetic radiation emitted by the infrared emitter, wherein theimaging device includes a display configured to output a visiblerepresentation of the detected longwave infrared electromagneticradiation and the detected near infrared electromagnetic radiation. 23.A simulated prop system comprising a plurality of infrared emitting orinfrared reflecting devices arranged in a manner to simulate an item.24. A system comprising a display device including: a visible lightemitter configured to emit visible light; an infrared emitter configuredto emit infrared radiation; and a sensor operatively coupled to thevisible light emitter and the infrared emitter configured to detect areal or a simulated extinguishant directed at the display device. 25.The system of claim 24 wherein the visible light emitter is configuredto display an image of a fire or a flame and wherein the infraredemitter configured to emit infrared radiation in the near infraredspectrum in a manner that corresponds to a heat signature of the fire orflame.
 26. A system comprising a display device including: an infraredemitter or projector configured to emit or project radiation in the nearinfrared spectrum; and an imaging device including: a first imagecapture device configured to detect longwave infrared electromagneticradiation; and a second image capture device configured to detect nearinfrared electromagnetic radiation.